Just in case you're wondering whether or not you should go for a hike in the mountains this weekend...

Ever since I started really noticing birds a few years ago, I've also had an increased awareness of when they're featured in mass media or some other artistic or musical reference. It's funny to notice how bird songs and calls are placed in the background of movies and often without any relevance to the habitat. Embarrassingly perhaps, I find myself noticing when a bird call is misused in the background of a movie: "What the hell is a Swainson's Thrush doing singing in that person's backyard and in Florida?" Maybe if there's a job for bird consultant in feature films I can apply. The most egregious misuse is the Red-tailed Hawk call being used for every raptor - especially a Bald Eagle! I'm sure if you lined up non-birders and played for them a Red-tailed Hawk call they'd say: "Oh that's an Eagle!" Annoying....

On the other side of annoying are the musical references. This whole post idea was schemed when I stumbled on a song by one of my favorite artists today. The artist is Matt Pond PA and the song is Sparrows.

The Sparrows in the rafters make a racket when the morning breaks.

Indeed; I'll bet they do, and I thank you for singing about it.

Of course there are the ones everyone knows like Blackbird . From the lesser known realm, the indie band Shearwater is one of my favorites. Their name is of course a reference in itself. Their songs often conjure avian images as well; for example, the one below, titled Rooks.



I could probably create an entire playlist of songs that make bird references, and perhaps I will, but maybe we can make it a bit interactive first. Anyone out there in tweet/facebook/+1/google groups/blogger world want to chime in? What are some of your favorite songs about birds?

Hope you're all well and enjoying your summer.

On Wednesday, July 13th, Jeff Bilsky and I led a handful of Utah Birders into East Canyon to look for owls, nightjars, and a handful of other mid-elevation riparian and aspen species. Norm and Gail Jenson, Shyloh and Deedee Robinson, and Nancy and John Matro joined me at the Mountain Dell Crossing for a little pre-dark birding. Here we had the usual Yellow Warblers, Black-headed Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Song Sparrow, Spotted Towhee, Tree Swallow, and Cliff Swallow. Driving up to Big Mountain Pass we stopped again, and after the wind died down a little the birds started coming out. Red-naped Sapsucker, Western Tanager, Warbling Vireo, Green-tailed Towhee, Hermit Thrush, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, and Violet-green Swallow were seen among other things.

We headed down into East Canyon and the Jeremy Ranch Road where Jeff Bilsky met up with us to bird along the road. The wind was blowing a little stronger than we would have like but it died down form time to time and the birds perked up when that happened. Along the road we saw and or heard Gray Catbird, Fox Sparrow, Cedar Waxwing, Swainson's Thrush, Mountain Bluebird, and American Goldfinch to name a few. Here before dusk we picked up our first nocturnal species with several COMMON NIGHTHAWKS soaring out of the fields and trees along the road.

L to R: Norm and Gail Jenson, Shyloh and Deedee Robinson,

Nancy and John Matro and in the back, Jeff Bilsky

We tried for Great Horned Owl here, but the wind wasn't cooperating. We decided to head up into the canyon to a pretty reliable spot for Flammulated Owl. When we got there we were thankfully out of the wind. After a short walk and literally 5 toots from the iPod a FLAMMY started singing from about 10-15 feet away. After getting a glimpse of him flying past he perched nicely on a limb for several minutes allowing everyone great looks--a lifer for several folks on the trip.

Having nailed the target species so quickly we headed back to the cars and further up the canyon to try for a few other species. At our next stop as we got out of the car I looked across the road and spotted a GREAT HORNED OWL perched atop a conifer, the silhouette showing nicely. Most of the groups either saw the bird perched or as it flew off into the forest.

The wind picked up and although we tried for saw-whet and pygmy-owls, and poorwill we struck out on all three. None-the-less it was a great night to be out birding in the beautiful mountains, just minutes form Salt Lake City! Thanks to those who attended, we have added $30 to our donation pool for a local conservation organization as part of our goal to help promote and protect habitat and birds in the state of Utah.

Lastly, please don't ask for specifics on where we saw owls, as I won't share that information to make these Little guys don't get harassed.

This Saturday, 16 July 2011, join me and the Bridgerland Audubon Society as we hike around Cache County, Utah's Tony Grove Lake and towards Naomi Peak in search of the specialties of our high mountains. Target birds include Red Crossbill, American Three-toed Woodpecker (above), Clark's Nutcracker, Golden-crowned Kinglet, and Steller's Jay, among others. Rarities seen in this area in previous summers include Band-tailed Pigeon, Red-headed Woodpecker, and White-winged Crossbill (below). Pack a lunch and lots of water, and be prepared for a strenuous hike, but at a slow birding pace. The trip is free, but bring a few dollars to help cover the $5 parking fee. Meet at 8 a.m. in the parking lot between Caffe Ibis and the Logan Fire Station (50 East, 150 North, Logan). All skill levels are welcome. We will be back in the mid-afternoon.

This bird is easy to identify but I love the image so much, I just wanted to post it. Let me know what you think it is.

Jerry